Course DescriptionThe series "Climate Change Entomology in the North" focuses on the fundamental and drastic demands in agricultural entomology in the Nordic countries, caused primarily by climate change. At an accelerating rate new serious, invasive pests threaten our primary production systems in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and wilderness areas. Furthermore, our pollination and biocontrol ecosystems services - vital to our crop production as well as wild flowers and berries - are at risk due to invading pests, competitors, and diseases; changing phenology of flowering; multiple generations of pests; decline and even forecast extinctions of certain pollinator species, etc. We need to train a new generation of experts in this area to be able to cope with the growing challenges. Foremost immediate threats include the spotted wing Drosophila -fly, recently introduced from Asia to Europe, and which is making its way northwards (recorded at many locations in Sweden already).

ContentIn the course series we will train the students to understand the mechanisms of invasions, what alternatives we have in coping with and preventing the spread, what can be used for rapid and early diagnostics of such new problems, and how to mitigate negative impacts of invasions. Similarly the rapid decline of diversity and overall population densities of key pollinators requires in-depth understanding of the mechanisms, in order to design and apply suitable mitigation measures (including regulatory approaches).

Programme Outline

Pre-campus assignments

Lectures and interactive seminars on mechanisms of invasions, what alternatives we have in coping with and preventing the spread, what can be used for rapid and early diagnostics of such new problems, and how to mitigate negative impacts of invasions. Similarly topics dealing with the rapid decline of diversity and overall population densities of key pollinators, understanding of the mechanisms, designing and applying suitable mitigation measures (including regulatory approaches).

Lab-work, demonstrations, and field assessments concerning e.g., detection and monitoring of invasive pests, control methods, and pollinator networks